Barbara J. Schaal

Barbara J. Schaal, 73, of Green Bay, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She was born on Oct. 11, 1950, in Oconto Falls to the late Alvin and Lorraine (Olson) Schaal. Barbara graduated from Oconto Falls High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UW-Superior, her master’s degree from UW-Oshkosh and her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska. Barbara’s career path took her into the classroom as an English educator in the Oconto School District, and an elementary school principal and district administrator for the Marinette School District. In 1996, Barbara moved to the Green Bay area where she was director of literacy development and support for Green Bay Area Public schools and, as such, oversaw multiple programs that supported children’s literacy development, promoted teacher education and effectiveness, and encouraged family involvement in learning. Barbara was active in the Wisconsin State Reading Association and served as president of the Wisconsin Title 1 Association. In 2008, the International Literacy Association awarded Barbara the Excellence in Literacy Education Award. Barbara was also recognized locally and statewide for her advocacy for children’s learning and her effectiveness as an educational leader but, most of all, she was a person who really cared about students, staff, and families and worked tirelessly to support their personal and professional growth. Barbara enjoyed reading, baking sweet treats, reading, doing puzzles and reading. Family time was a very important part of her life, and many Sunday afternoons were spent enjoying quality moments with her great-nieces and -nephew. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Sandi Schaal of Oconto Falls; her nephew, Brian (Lynn) Schaal of Bonduel, and niece, Nikki (Nick) Tolzman of Oconto Falls; great-nieces and great-nephew, Elizabeth Schaal of Green Bay, Samantha Schaal of Oshkosh, Aaron Schaal of Bonduel and Josie Tolzman of Oconto Falls. She is further survived by many cousins along with special friends, Cecelia Jauch of Poplar and Anita Zipperer of Green Bay. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Lorraine (Olson) Schaal of Gillett; her brother, Gary Schaal of Oconto Falls; and many aunts and uncles. A funeral service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1731 St. Agnes Drive, Green Bay, with Rev. Scott Malme officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Barbara will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oconto Falls. Condolences, photos and memories of Barbara may be shared with her family by visiting www.lyndahl.com. The family would like to thank Unity Hospice, and the staff at Woodside Manor and Woodside Lutheran Home for their caring support for Barbara. The Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Schaal family with arrangements.